Everton were held to a score draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Wednesday evening.
David Moyes’ side went ahead through Michael Keane, but 18-year-old striker Mateus Mane equalised in the second half.
Everton were then shown two red cards, with Keane and Jack Grealish sent off in highly controversial circumstances.
Moyes was visibly furious on the touchline and was actually yellow-carded by the young referee Thomas Kirk.
Whilst it was a really disappointing evening for the Toffees, there was one big positive in Harrison Armstrong.
Sum that up for us… 😡
Cannot believe how that second half panned out!
Harrison Armstrong really impresses for Everton vs Wolves
Armstrong made his first Premier League start of the season for Everton this evening after being recalled from his highly successful loan at Preston North End.
Moyes decided to play the 18-year-old from the first whistle following a really bright cameo appearance against Brentford.
How did you think Harrison Armstrong played vs Wolves? 🧐
Armstrong looked like a seasoned veteran, and as evinced by his Sofascore statistics, he was constantly winning back possession and getting his side on the front foot.
The England youth international won a whopping eight duels and completed 19 of his 25 passes, so he was proficient in possession of the ball, too.
Supporters were moved by Armstrong’s display, and it’s already become pretty clear that he’s more than good enough to stay on Merseyside instead of being sent back to Preston.
Everton must not send Harrison Armstrong back to Preston
Speaking ahead of the Wolves game, Moyes revealed that his preference would be for Armstrong to return to Preston before the end of the window to continue his development.
“The truth is, I would like him to go back to Preston. I want Preston to get promoted. They’re in a really good position, they’re pushing for the play offs,” the 62-year-old admitted.
Who takes the Man of the Match for you? 😬
That stance will surely have changed after watching him in action this evening, as Armstrong actually looked levels above the more experienced Tim Iroegbunam.
If anything, it should be Iroegbunam heading out on loan and Armstrong staying to become a key figure in Moyes’ midfield.
The Toffees are next in action on Saturday, as they play host to Sunderland at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in an FA Cup clash.
Armstrong will likely get more minutes as Moyes continues to assess him.
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